The McLaren Report

The McLaren Report into the abhorrent state-sanctioned Russian doping scandal continues to attract widespread comment throughout the sporting and political world. The names of 31 suspected Russian biathletes have been sent by WADA to the IBU. The IBU has issued an initial comment but clearly cannot release names until all investigations have taken place.

The BBU has earlier stated our disgust that the 2021 Biathlon World Championships were awarded to Tyumen RUS. At their meeting in Rio on 05 Aug 16 the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWSF) were informed by the IOC Sports Director that “… It is not the intention of the IOC that the IFs cancel existing events in Russia that are on confirmed calendars or already official candidates.” Tyumen thus stayed on the ballot at the IBU Congress in Sep 16 – and won! We think there may be some egg on a few faces in Lausanne now, and await a further announcement from the IOC, which is promised shortly.

The FIBT has already stated that the World Bobsleigh Championships in Feb 17 will not now be held in Sochi RUS. The BBU was interested to hear Mike Dixon on Eurosport (15 Dec) that he did not think that Biathlon World Cup 8 (scheduled for Mar 17 in Tyumen RUS) should be held there. This is certainly the opinion of a number of BBU staff and members and, an official BBU Statement will be issued before the New Year.